Chapter 9
Chapter 9
Felicity hopped off her custom motorbike, clutching a paper bag in one hand.
The security guard at the entrance gawked openly at her–tight yoga pants, a confident stride–he nearly forgot to breathe.
With a toss of her loose hair, Felicity shot him a breezy hello and strode into the preschool.
She’d already done her homework and knew exactly which class Damien was in. Spotting the main teacher, Felicity approached with a bright smile.
“Hi! I brought some wax bottle candies for Damien. I heard the ones he brought last time were a big hit with the other kids.”
The teacher eyed her for a moment. “You’re the one who sent those candies with Damien?”
Felicity’s eyes sparkled. “That’s right! My friend makes these from the best beeswax-”
Before she could finish, a furious shout exploded behind her.
“So you’re the reason my son nearly choked to death!”
Felicity barely had time to turn before a sharp slap landed across her face, leaving her dizzy and seeing stars.
“What the hell is your problem?! Why are you hitting me?”
“You’re the menace who put my child in danger!”
But Felicity wasn’t the type to take things lying down. Tasting blood on her lip, she lunged at the woman, and soon a handful of parents were in the middle of a chaotic scuffle.
That afternoon, as school let out, Selene came to pick up Daph and was immediately treated to her daughter’s animated retelling of the fight.
“Felicity got hit really hard, Mommy! Damien wanted to help, but I grabbed his collar and dragged him away!
In the end, Felicity–her face bruised and swelling–took Damien by the hand and requested to leave early.
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Chapter 9
The other mothers all knew who Felicity was, and hurled a stream of insults her way. Daph didn’t understand the words, but she could tell they were nasty.
Sitting in her booster seat, Daph gazed out the window at the familiar streets.
“Are we going home now, Mommy?”
Her bright eyes dulled a little.
Selene squeezed her hand gently. “This is the last time we’ll be going to the Vaughn house.”
“Ma’am, Miss Daph, you’re back!”
Nadine, the housekeeper, visibly relaxed the moment she saw Selene.
Selene had only been gone from the Vaughn estate for a day and a night, and the staff already seemed on the verge of collapse.
She offered a small smile. “We’re just here to pack up our things.”
Nadine simply nodded, only reminding her, “Miss Felicity is at home right now.”
Hand in hand, Selene and Daph walked into the living room, just as Felicity’s voice rang out, dripping with fury.
“Those fat cows–I swear, if I really lost my temper, I could kick their insides out! Ah! Harrison, be gentle!”
Felicity sat sprawled on the couch while Harrison carefully dabbed at her face with a cotton swab.
Damien hovered nearby, worry etched across his features. “Flick, does it hurt?”
“I’m tough as nails, kiddo! Barely a scratch. Ow! Harrison, quit poking at me like I’m some science experiment!”
Felicity grimaced, threatening to kick Harrison if he didn’t ease up.
With a low warning, he said, “Sit still.”
Seeing Felicity’s battered/face, Damien’s guilt only deepened.
“It’s my fault. I got you hurt.”
He puffed out his cheeks, head hanging.
Looking up, he stole a glance at Harrison, almost in awe. When his own mother had
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gotten hurt–cutting fruit, burning herself–Harrison had never cared, never once bandaged her wounds. Yet here he was, sleeves rolled up, tending to Felicity’s injuries himself.
To Harrison, Felicity was clearly the one who mattered most.
Damien glanced back, noticing Selene and Daph entering the room.
“Hmph!”
The moment he saw them, his face soured, and he looked away, refusing to acknowledge them.
Felicity leaned back on her hands, then pitched forward, closing the gap between her and Harrison on the couch.
“Selene, you finally decided to come back?” Her tone was thick with sarcasm.
Harrison didn’t so much as glance at Selene. “Felicity’s clothes are ruined. Go upstairs and get her some fresh ones from the closet.”
He only had eyes for Felicity.
Selene ignored the command. She took Daph by the hand and quietly led her
upstairs.
